PHOTOS: Antarctic blast chills Australia

Koalas, surfing, and snow? Australia is known for sweltering weather and sun-soaked beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. But a cold snap has hit parts of the nation, leaving Aussies reaching for parkas.

On July 9 the Bureau of Meteorology predicted a “weekend cold snap for south eastern Australia.” The weather agency warned of a cold front that would bring strong winds and snow, with temperatures expected to dip around or below zero.

The forecast was correct.

Officials advised people to take precautions and plan for the frosty weather.

“Heavy snow can quickly make roads slippery and impassable, so if snow is forecast delay non-essential travel,” said New South Wales State Emergency Service commissioner Adam Dent.

“Snow can bring down trees and branches, blocking roads and damaging property, so take the opportunity ahead of forecast snow to trim overhanging trees and branches and if isolation is likely, stock up on food, fuel, medicine and other essential items.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Heavy snow can quickly make roads slippery and impassable, so if snow is forecast delay non-essential travel," said New South Wales State Emergency Service commissioner Adam Dent.</p><p>"Snow can bring down trees and branches, blocking roads and damaging property, so take the opportunity ahead of forecast snow to trim overhanging trees and branches and if isolation is likely, stock up on food, fuel, medicine and other essential items."

Australia does have an alpine region, located in the southeastern of the country between Sydney and Melbourne, near the capital Canberra. Area ski resorts typically run from early June through early October.

While businesses there likely welcomed the help from Mother Nature, not everyone was so keen on the weather.

Over the weekend Brisbane, north of Sydney, reported its coldest weather in more than 100 years.